Eight differences but one Unity

In grammar for nouns they talk about eight declensions. In Tamil we call it 'eight differences'. (vEttrumai).

Let us take the noun Rama. Just saying the name Rama is the first declension or difference (mudAlAm vEttrumai). 

Something we do on the noun Rama is indicated by the second declension or iraNdAm vEtrrumai. Suppose in the sentence 'Call Rama', 'rAmanai azhai'. 

Third declension or mUndrAm vEtrrumai is 'we got it by Rama'. rAmanAl kidaitthadu. 

Fourth is 'we give this to Rama'. rAmanukku kodu. 

Fifth is from Rama. Sixth is with Rama. Seventh is in Rama. 

Eighth is calling Rama. Inviting Rama. 

In all these eight declensions or ettu vEtrrumaigal some person has composed this sloka in the past ages 

centering around Rama. i.e. Rama, on Rama, by Rama, to Rama, from Rama, with Rama, in Rama, Hi Rama! 

"Let Rama reside for ever in my heart along with Seeta. (Ist)

I salute Rama along with his brothers (and also along with my brothers) (IInd)

Let all my sins be destroyed by Rama. (IIIrd)

All my actions done through mind, words or deeds I dedicate to Rama. (IVth)

I do not know anything different from Rama. (Vth)

And I do not know any word to pair with Rama Nama. (VIth)

I perceive all the  universe in Rama. (VIIth)

Oh Vira Rama! protect me every day." (VIIIth) 

Now the sloka - 

"rAma: sItAsamEtO nivassatu hrudayE 

sAnujam rAmamIdE 

rAmENa kshINa pApa: 

trividhamapi krutam karma rAmAya dadyAm 

rAmAt anyam na jAnE 

na kimapi vachO rAmanAmna: samAnam 

rAmE pasyAmi visvam bhuvanam 

anudinam pAhi mAm vIra rAma !" 

You see! how simply they have taught both bhakti and grammar in a single stroke! 

Srirangam Mohanarangan 

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